Rantings and Ravings

The primary election is upon us. Here in Carbon County, as in many other places, the primary is more important than the November election. This is so for two reasons.

The first is we are still mainly a single party county. Traditionally whoever comes out of the primary election for the Democrats will most likely win the general election. In other parts of the state it will be whoever survives the Republican primary that will be the overall victor.

The second reason is that so few people vote in the primary. There may be several reasons for this. It comes at a time we are enjoying summer stuff. It doesn't feel as important as the one in November. It gets less press coverage.

What this means is we are truly represented by people who are voted in by a very small percentage of our community. That could be easily changed, but unless there is some real catalyst that fires people up, we seem to be content to let a few speak for the many.

While this system does seem to work most of the time, I get tired of those who are representing us saying that they speak for "all" of us when they are speaking about things.

There are many issues that those that represent me purpose as new laws or changes that I don't agree with. There are many things that I do like. Elected officials are put into office to represent the majority. That's all they can do. There is no way they can do what is liked by all of us.

As a county, state or nation; we do not think as a collective unit. That is what makes us strong. Even those with similar religious, political, or other views do not agree on every issue.

So that is what really irks me when I hear an elected official say they speak for all of Carbon County or who ever else they represent. You may speak for the majority of those who you spoke to about a subject, but you really don't know if you speak for everyone. It would be truly amazing if you did.

For those of us that vote on a regular basis we find ourselves making choices on who to vote for that do not seem like a choice for someone that are compatible with our views. But then the other candidate seems worse so we settle. I at least can say I voted. Those who settle by not even showing up at the polling place to pull the lever don't have a leg to stand on when things do not go there way.

I am glad we have people willing to put themselves out there to serve as elected officials for us. I have toyed with the idea once or twice, but am not at a place to make the sacrifices needed to do the job right.

So kudos to you that stand up to run for the many levels of government that it takes to keep our communities function. It is easy for us to judge and complain from the sidelines, but most of us would never consider taking the risk to get in there and do the dirty work to make our laws and disperse our taxes.

But remember as you do these tasks that you represent us all, even the quiet ones, the ones who never really let their voices be heard. Listen beyond the roar of the small group that always makes their presence know, the other voices are out there.